Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Tour Uthai thani
Travel by Car
The total distance is about 222 kilometers from Bangkok, via the highway no.333 which is from the First Highway at 206-kilometer sign (Tha Nam Oi intersection). To reach Uthai Thani, 16 kilometers on the left should be collected. With Supanburi Route (through Amphur Dan Chang) Travelers could get to the town with the same high way no.333. Besides, Crosing with the raft to Khung Samphao from Bangkok at Manorom port on Chainat, and then on to Uthai Thani, is highly recommended.
Travel by Bus
There are 40-seated buses of the goverment transportation served via the route. (Bagkok-Uthai Thani) The journey needs 3.5 hours.
The total distance is about 222 kilometers from Bangkok, via the highway no.333 which is from the First Highway at 206-kilometer sign (Tha Nam Oi intersection). To reach Uthai Thani, 16 kilometers on the left should be collected. With Supanburi Route (through Amphur Dan Chang) Travelers could get to the town with the same high way no.333. Besides, Crosing with the raft to Khung Samphao from Bangkok at Manorom port on Chainat, and then on to Uthai Thani, is highly recommended.
Travel by Bus
There are 40-seated buses of the goverment transportation served via the route. (Bagkok-Uthai Thani) The journey needs 3.5 hours.
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Forest, the Vast Sky and The Nature Trail
As small an area as it is , Uthai Thani abounds with rich and fertile forests and hills. It therefore has many tourist attraction and interesting nature study sites. These include: The Wildlife conservation Area of Huay Kha Khaeng, a World Heritage Site, Whit Wang Phar, or Wang Ai-Thao Falls, as its boundary.
In addition, there are the Pha Rom Yen Water fall, Cyber Waterfall, or Hin Lard Waterfall, and Lan Hin Turn. a rock terane where rocks lie in a fascination and imposing manner on top of one another. There's also Hup Pah Tard, a limestone rock circle where the sky acts as a roof around a four-acre area of pristine, primordial forest.
Khao Plara is another attraction of Uthai Thani, and is an areas used for trekking, it is located in the sanctuary of Prathu Cave, which has invaluable prehistoric paintings and is surrounded by charming nature, whereas Phuwai Cae of Ban Rai is praised for its spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. the cave is inhabited by a multitude of bats, some species of which of which are very rare. These are some of the natural sites and phenomena worthy of a visit.
A nature Study at Huay Kha Khaeng
Around 1965, an exploration was conducted in the forest area of Huay Kha Khaeng when a buffalo that was believed to have been extinct was spotted. This revived interest in the forest and is considered the starting point of forest conservation that led to Huay Kah Kaeng being declared a Wildlife Conservation Area. The forest is well-known among nature lovers as is hosts a habitat of several important wild animals of Thailand and houses a diversity of plants, as well as the waer source of the Huay Thap Salao, a major river. Huay Kha Khaeng is the rivers' main branch and it was selected by UNESCO as a a World Heritage Site on December 13,1991.
Huay Kah Khaeng Wildlife conservation Area covers the boundaries of six district of these provinces: Three Districts in Uthai Thani, namely Lan Sak, Banrai and Huay Khot: tow disricts in Kanchana buri, Thong Pha Phum and SangkLa Buri; and one district in Tak Province, Um Phang. The area, combined with the Wildlife conservation Area of Thung Yai Naresuan, covers a total of 11 million rais, and has become the largest extensive forest in Thailand and the Southeast Asian Region.
Huay Kah Khaeng-Thung Yai Naresuan was awarded the honor of being a World Natual Heritage Site because of its diversity of dry evergreen forest Tropical rain forst, mixed deciduous forest and prairie land. It also serves as habitat for several kins of animals and plants some of which are very rare and in many cases, almost extinct, suchas wild buffalos, gaurs, the banteng, tigers, clouded leopards, Indian leoprd cats, Asian tapirs, sumatran serow, peacocks and horn bills.
The Wildlife conservation Area aims to conserve both the wild animals and the forests. It is not like other natural parks that are geared toward providing nature sudy tours for the general pubic. The sanctuaries are very sensitive areas. If more tourists are allowed to visit them, it many result in damage to the ecological system. There, the Huagy Kha Khaeng conservation Areas is a restricted area with strict rules and regulations to provide protection to the flora and fauna that are indigenous to that area.
The Huay Kah Kaheng-thung Yai Naressuan Wildlife conservaton Area is a well-known World Heritage Site and three spots in the area have relax the rules to allow people to go in for nature studies. These are the areas around the main office at Lan Sak Districkt, The Cyber Forest Protection Unit at Huay Khot District, and the Huay Mae Dee Forest Protection Unit at ban Rai District. Nature trails have been arranged for tourists to experience the forest flora and fauna, and study nature up close.
A few guesthouses are available and tourists can bring tents to stay overnight by paying a fee of only 20 baht per person. a large group can be accommodated by contacting the forestry Department 15 days in advance.
At the Mai office there is a statue of Sueb Nakhasathian, the former head of the Wildlife conservation Station, facing southeast as if he were safeguard the forest and the wildlife by putting his life at stake. Nearby, there is also a hall built in his honor for activities nd an exhibition related to his past. His house has been preserved and statues of other forest rangers who died fulfilling their duties to protect the wildlife and the forest for the future generations have been erected . all this ash contributed to the area being awarded the little of World Heritage Site.
Hup Pha Tard Primordial Forest
One of the " Unseen in Thailand" features
Hub Pha Tard foest is part of Huay sok limestone mountain in Lan Sak District, which was first settle by a Buddhist monk, Phra Kharu Santi Thammakoson (Luang Pho Yot) the abbot of Tham Thong Cafe in 1979. The cave was transformed into the entrance to the valley five years later. Admission fee is 20 baht per person.
The cave forms a long dark cavern leading to an area where sunlight comes down into tow large grottoes. The first one has the atmosphere fo a primordial fors, lush with variety of trees, many of wich are very rare, suchas C.Velutina, Caryota, Terameles Datiscaceae and Fagerlindia Rubiacease. This is an abundance of a tree known in Thaias " Tard," which belongs to the palm family.
The second grotto is separated from the first by a natural stone door. It is surrounded by the limestone mountain with the sky as its roof. The sun can shine through and the fresh air circulates freely here.
Inside the palm valley of Hup Pah Tard there is a cool, shady atmosphere, rich with moisture all year round. its fertility attracts animals such as monkeys, sumatarn serows. Siamese firebacks, pheasants and many other kinds of birds.
To preserve the rare animals, the area has been declared a sanctuary.
Elephant
in the past, there were a number of elephants including those trained for warfare during Ayutthaya period such as " Chao Pharay Borom Khachenchattan," King Narai the Great's elephant.
There was a story of the abundance of elephants in this area that they were so many that the ground sank and became a canal called " Khlong Tha cChang."
Even though the abundance of elephants are just a legend, the remains of elephant tusks are kept in Uthai Thani families and they can be seen on the tables used for a annual festival at the end of Buddhist Lent Day.
Ancient Paintings at Khao Plara
These are located within the limestone part of the sanctuary at Prathun Cave, situated at Mu 3, Ban Huakhao Plara,Tambon Thungna Ngam, Lan Sak District.
The cave is located on a steep hill in the middle of the plain where local farmers grow corn and tapioca. At the peak of the hill on the south side is a cave known as Prathun Cave , which contains color paintings dating from prehistoric times.
The name " plara" means " slated fish" and is derived from the old folk tale that in the past the path from Uthai Thani town to this cave was so rugged that it took a long time to reach it, causing the fish that the people caught to be spoiled. The fishermen therefore salted the fish to preserve them. Hence, name Khao plara was adopted for the cave.
The ancient paintings here are believed to be 3,00 -5,000 year old. There are about 40 pictures on the wall opposite the entrance. The pictures are drawn in lines as well as painted, depicting the activities of the people at that time: a man catching a bull with a rope: and animals such as deer, dogs, chickens and a turtle painted in black and reddish brown. These are said to be the most beautiful and clear of all the ancient paintings in Thailand.
archeologists have divided the paintings into four groups: people surrounded by domestic animals; people an bulls ; ritual activities; and " others," which are mainly paintings of animals. The paintings at Khao Plara are similar to the ones at Pha Taem of Ubon Ratchathani.
The Bats of Khong Chai Mountain
The mountain is also part of the sanctuary of Prathun Cave, which is the second largest mountain after khao Plara. It is a steep limesone mountain consisting of many spectacular caves: Khong Chai Cave, Phonsawa Cave, Namthip Cave and Khangkhoa Cave.
The front of the mountain looks like the entrance to a large tunnel. Inside, there are some stone tools and pieces of pottery. It is believed to have been the living quarters of prehistoric people. The name of the mountain is derived from a legend about the villagers in the area in ancient times who once heard the loud sound of a gong ringing at nighttime on the Buddhist Sabbath.
This would remind them of when troops returned from war and stopped here to rest and beat the gongs to announce their victory.
The cave is inhabited by a multitude of bats with hairy bodies, brown wings, wringkled lips and flat noses. This species of bat preys on beetles an moths. The bats' droppings can be sold and used for fertilizer. Visitors to the cave often go at dusk to wait for the bats to come flying out, making a spectacular sight.
Winter Migratory Birds at Huay Sai Reservoir.
originally , Huay Sai was a natural pond. After the construction of an irrigation system, the pond was expanded to become a reservoir of 50 rais.
In November each year, thousands of brids call" grebes" migrate here from Siberia and stay until May. the best time for bird watching is either first thing in the morning or at dusk.
Lan Hin Turn
On an area covering 36 rais of granite mountain, to the east of Lan Sak District, you'll see some giant rocks stacked on top of one another in different positions and shapes, as if a giant machine had come and constructed the fascinating formation. the area is also full of golden teak trees.
Cyber Falls
The name comes from the Karen language. In Thai, the falls are known as " Hin Lat." The area is over seen by a forest protection team of the same name. The waterfall originates in a stream high on a mountain in Huay Kha Khaeng Wildlife conservation Area. Water cascades down over many platforms with a large pool to receive it at the bottom, forming a superb sight. The area is surrounded by rattan plants and trees forming a giant shaded canopy, which keeps the area cool and is an ideal spot for relaxing.
hot Springs at ban Samor Thong
The hot spring is located in Tambon Khok khwai at the Huay Khun Kaew Reservoir. Formerly a natural hot spring gushing over the ground's surface, the water is clear, but with a sulfur dioxide semll. The temperature of the spring sits between 80-86 C, hot enough to boil an egg in five minutes. The hot spring has now been modified into a public park 4,00o square meter with bathing pools for visitors to enjoy a healthy bath.
The public park has three hot spring wells 4-5 meters deep, with cement rimes around them one meter high. In the middle of the park sits a Buddha statue some 20 meters tall painted in gold, which can be seen from a good distance. Near the statue you'll find a reservoir. This landscape forms a beautiful scene and a pleasant atmosphere. visitors can enjoy fishing or cycling around the reservoir.
Phu Wai Cave
This cave is located inside the Park Protection Unit 3 of Phu Toei Ntional Park, Ban Rai District. It is a large cave with mythical looking stalactites and stalagmites in the shape of mushrooms and Roman pillars. There are also round rocks and a waterfall. some buddha images have been placed in the cave for good luck. There are nine species of bats living in the cave : round-leaf bats, great round-leaf bats, black-bearded tomb bats, spotted-wing fruit bats , intermediate round-leaf bats, north Malaysian horseshoe bats, Dobson's horseshoe bats, Harwick bats and Tickell's bats.
There is a 300- meter walkway meandering through the cave. Several other caves nearby are also very beautiful, but the path to them has not yet been opened for visitors. however, tourists can stay overnight in tents in camping areas set aside for this purpose.
In addition, there are the Pha Rom Yen Water fall, Cyber Waterfall, or Hin Lard Waterfall, and Lan Hin Turn. a rock terane where rocks lie in a fascination and imposing manner on top of one another. There's also Hup Pah Tard, a limestone rock circle where the sky acts as a roof around a four-acre area of pristine, primordial forest.
Khao Plara is another attraction of Uthai Thani, and is an areas used for trekking, it is located in the sanctuary of Prathu Cave, which has invaluable prehistoric paintings and is surrounded by charming nature, whereas Phuwai Cae of Ban Rai is praised for its spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. the cave is inhabited by a multitude of bats, some species of which of which are very rare. These are some of the natural sites and phenomena worthy of a visit.
A nature Study at Huay Kha Khaeng
Around 1965, an exploration was conducted in the forest area of Huay Kha Khaeng when a buffalo that was believed to have been extinct was spotted. This revived interest in the forest and is considered the starting point of forest conservation that led to Huay Kah Kaeng being declared a Wildlife Conservation Area. The forest is well-known among nature lovers as is hosts a habitat of several important wild animals of Thailand and houses a diversity of plants, as well as the waer source of the Huay Thap Salao, a major river. Huay Kha Khaeng is the rivers' main branch and it was selected by UNESCO as a a World Heritage Site on December 13,1991.
Huay Kah Khaeng Wildlife conservation Area covers the boundaries of six district of these provinces: Three Districts in Uthai Thani, namely Lan Sak, Banrai and Huay Khot: tow disricts in Kanchana buri, Thong Pha Phum and SangkLa Buri; and one district in Tak Province, Um Phang. The area, combined with the Wildlife conservation Area of Thung Yai Naresuan, covers a total of 11 million rais, and has become the largest extensive forest in Thailand and the Southeast Asian Region.
Huay Kah Khaeng-Thung Yai Naresuan was awarded the honor of being a World Natual Heritage Site because of its diversity of dry evergreen forest Tropical rain forst, mixed deciduous forest and prairie land. It also serves as habitat for several kins of animals and plants some of which are very rare and in many cases, almost extinct, suchas wild buffalos, gaurs, the banteng, tigers, clouded leopards, Indian leoprd cats, Asian tapirs, sumatran serow, peacocks and horn bills.
The Wildlife conservation Area aims to conserve both the wild animals and the forests. It is not like other natural parks that are geared toward providing nature sudy tours for the general pubic. The sanctuaries are very sensitive areas. If more tourists are allowed to visit them, it many result in damage to the ecological system. There, the Huagy Kha Khaeng conservation Areas is a restricted area with strict rules and regulations to provide protection to the flora and fauna that are indigenous to that area.
The Huay Kah Kaheng-thung Yai Naressuan Wildlife conservaton Area is a well-known World Heritage Site and three spots in the area have relax the rules to allow people to go in for nature studies. These are the areas around the main office at Lan Sak Districkt, The Cyber Forest Protection Unit at Huay Khot District, and the Huay Mae Dee Forest Protection Unit at ban Rai District. Nature trails have been arranged for tourists to experience the forest flora and fauna, and study nature up close.
A few guesthouses are available and tourists can bring tents to stay overnight by paying a fee of only 20 baht per person. a large group can be accommodated by contacting the forestry Department 15 days in advance.
At the Mai office there is a statue of Sueb Nakhasathian, the former head of the Wildlife conservation Station, facing southeast as if he were safeguard the forest and the wildlife by putting his life at stake. Nearby, there is also a hall built in his honor for activities nd an exhibition related to his past. His house has been preserved and statues of other forest rangers who died fulfilling their duties to protect the wildlife and the forest for the future generations have been erected . all this ash contributed to the area being awarded the little of World Heritage Site.
Hup Pha Tard Primordial Forest
One of the " Unseen in Thailand" features
Hub Pha Tard foest is part of Huay sok limestone mountain in Lan Sak District, which was first settle by a Buddhist monk, Phra Kharu Santi Thammakoson (Luang Pho Yot) the abbot of Tham Thong Cafe in 1979. The cave was transformed into the entrance to the valley five years later. Admission fee is 20 baht per person.
The cave forms a long dark cavern leading to an area where sunlight comes down into tow large grottoes. The first one has the atmosphere fo a primordial fors, lush with variety of trees, many of wich are very rare, suchas C.Velutina, Caryota, Terameles Datiscaceae and Fagerlindia Rubiacease. This is an abundance of a tree known in Thaias " Tard," which belongs to the palm family.
The second grotto is separated from the first by a natural stone door. It is surrounded by the limestone mountain with the sky as its roof. The sun can shine through and the fresh air circulates freely here.
Inside the palm valley of Hup Pah Tard there is a cool, shady atmosphere, rich with moisture all year round. its fertility attracts animals such as monkeys, sumatarn serows. Siamese firebacks, pheasants and many other kinds of birds.
To preserve the rare animals, the area has been declared a sanctuary.
Elephant
in the past, there were a number of elephants including those trained for warfare during Ayutthaya period such as " Chao Pharay Borom Khachenchattan," King Narai the Great's elephant.
There was a story of the abundance of elephants in this area that they were so many that the ground sank and became a canal called " Khlong Tha cChang."
Even though the abundance of elephants are just a legend, the remains of elephant tusks are kept in Uthai Thani families and they can be seen on the tables used for a annual festival at the end of Buddhist Lent Day.
Ancient Paintings at Khao Plara
These are located within the limestone part of the sanctuary at Prathun Cave, situated at Mu 3, Ban Huakhao Plara,Tambon Thungna Ngam, Lan Sak District.
The cave is located on a steep hill in the middle of the plain where local farmers grow corn and tapioca. At the peak of the hill on the south side is a cave known as Prathun Cave , which contains color paintings dating from prehistoric times.
The name " plara" means " slated fish" and is derived from the old folk tale that in the past the path from Uthai Thani town to this cave was so rugged that it took a long time to reach it, causing the fish that the people caught to be spoiled. The fishermen therefore salted the fish to preserve them. Hence, name Khao plara was adopted for the cave.
The ancient paintings here are believed to be 3,00 -5,000 year old. There are about 40 pictures on the wall opposite the entrance. The pictures are drawn in lines as well as painted, depicting the activities of the people at that time: a man catching a bull with a rope: and animals such as deer, dogs, chickens and a turtle painted in black and reddish brown. These are said to be the most beautiful and clear of all the ancient paintings in Thailand.
archeologists have divided the paintings into four groups: people surrounded by domestic animals; people an bulls ; ritual activities; and " others," which are mainly paintings of animals. The paintings at Khao Plara are similar to the ones at Pha Taem of Ubon Ratchathani.
The Bats of Khong Chai Mountain
The mountain is also part of the sanctuary of Prathun Cave, which is the second largest mountain after khao Plara. It is a steep limesone mountain consisting of many spectacular caves: Khong Chai Cave, Phonsawa Cave, Namthip Cave and Khangkhoa Cave.
The front of the mountain looks like the entrance to a large tunnel. Inside, there are some stone tools and pieces of pottery. It is believed to have been the living quarters of prehistoric people. The name of the mountain is derived from a legend about the villagers in the area in ancient times who once heard the loud sound of a gong ringing at nighttime on the Buddhist Sabbath.
This would remind them of when troops returned from war and stopped here to rest and beat the gongs to announce their victory.
The cave is inhabited by a multitude of bats with hairy bodies, brown wings, wringkled lips and flat noses. This species of bat preys on beetles an moths. The bats' droppings can be sold and used for fertilizer. Visitors to the cave often go at dusk to wait for the bats to come flying out, making a spectacular sight.
Winter Migratory Birds at Huay Sai Reservoir.
originally , Huay Sai was a natural pond. After the construction of an irrigation system, the pond was expanded to become a reservoir of 50 rais.
In November each year, thousands of brids call" grebes" migrate here from Siberia and stay until May. the best time for bird watching is either first thing in the morning or at dusk.
Lan Hin Turn
On an area covering 36 rais of granite mountain, to the east of Lan Sak District, you'll see some giant rocks stacked on top of one another in different positions and shapes, as if a giant machine had come and constructed the fascinating formation. the area is also full of golden teak trees.
Cyber Falls
The name comes from the Karen language. In Thai, the falls are known as " Hin Lat." The area is over seen by a forest protection team of the same name. The waterfall originates in a stream high on a mountain in Huay Kha Khaeng Wildlife conservation Area. Water cascades down over many platforms with a large pool to receive it at the bottom, forming a superb sight. The area is surrounded by rattan plants and trees forming a giant shaded canopy, which keeps the area cool and is an ideal spot for relaxing.
hot Springs at ban Samor Thong
The hot spring is located in Tambon Khok khwai at the Huay Khun Kaew Reservoir. Formerly a natural hot spring gushing over the ground's surface, the water is clear, but with a sulfur dioxide semll. The temperature of the spring sits between 80-86 C, hot enough to boil an egg in five minutes. The hot spring has now been modified into a public park 4,00o square meter with bathing pools for visitors to enjoy a healthy bath.
The public park has three hot spring wells 4-5 meters deep, with cement rimes around them one meter high. In the middle of the park sits a Buddha statue some 20 meters tall painted in gold, which can be seen from a good distance. Near the statue you'll find a reservoir. This landscape forms a beautiful scene and a pleasant atmosphere. visitors can enjoy fishing or cycling around the reservoir.
Phu Wai Cave
This cave is located inside the Park Protection Unit 3 of Phu Toei Ntional Park, Ban Rai District. It is a large cave with mythical looking stalactites and stalagmites in the shape of mushrooms and Roman pillars. There are also round rocks and a waterfall. some buddha images have been placed in the cave for good luck. There are nine species of bats living in the cave : round-leaf bats, great round-leaf bats, black-bearded tomb bats, spotted-wing fruit bats , intermediate round-leaf bats, north Malaysian horseshoe bats, Dobson's horseshoe bats, Harwick bats and Tickell's bats.
There is a 300- meter walkway meandering through the cave. Several other caves nearby are also very beautiful, but the path to them has not yet been opened for visitors. however, tourists can stay overnight in tents in camping areas set aside for this purpose.
Annual Festivals
Tak Bat Dhevo (The Dhevo Alms Giving Fair)
This most famous of Uthai Thani festivals in held on the first day of the waning moon of the 11th month, or on the day after the end of the Buddhist Lent, usually in October.
the Venue is Sangkat Rattan Khiri temple and the mountain represent heaven-from where the Lord Buddha descended after he went up to observe Lent and preach a sermon to his mother. Legend has it that the god Vishnu built a siver, gold and crystal stairway for the Buddha to walk down. The day signifies the the opening of the eath, heaven, the human realm and the underworld, or hell.
the festival is observed and celebrated by the people of Uthai Thani and the neighboring provinces. Over 300 monks and novices-come carrying alms bowls-descend the 449 steps from the top of the mountain while poeple offer alms of steamed sticky rice balls wrapped in banana leaeves as well as uncooked rice and cried food.
the Ivory Decorated Altar Festival
Back in the Ayitthaya period (1350-1767 Ad), the people of Uthai Thani Province had to capture wild elephants to send to the capital as a tribute. Elephants signify the rich and abundant forests and wildlife of the region. They were also used to haul logs and when the elephants died the owners would keep their tusks and use them to decorate altars. The more ivory one had, the richer one was, and ivory formed part of the inheritance fro one's children.
The festival began with a procession from various Chinese shrines while the townspeople decorated their altars wit ivory and put them in front of their houses to welcome the gods and goddesses. These altars have no Buddha images, only ivory and flowers are used for aesthetic purposes, as well as to show the status of the owners.
Recently, as part of a new promotion, the province has asked the local people to re-enact the Dhevo Alms Giving ceremony by having a contest of decorating altars with ivory. This event is held only in Uthai Thani.
The food and Sweet Tray Festival
The food tray comes ina round or square shape, made of wood or metal, and contains about six bouwls of food of various kinds.
During certain Buddhist festivals people put food in bowls to be carried to the temple ina pair of trays suspended from a bambboo pole hoisted on one shoulder. This tradition is stil practiced today. In The viallges of Nongkae in Muenag District, Thapho , and Huay Rob in Nong Kha Yang District, people prefer bowls with lids on them. Sometimes, the bowls are made of glass or a king of elaborate ceramic painted in five colors, known as benjarong.
More and more people have begun to select the best and most beautiful containers for their alms food and they have would up staging a contest, which is very impressive for tourists . In this way, the tradition has been carried on.
This most famous of Uthai Thani festivals in held on the first day of the waning moon of the 11th month, or on the day after the end of the Buddhist Lent, usually in October.
the Venue is Sangkat Rattan Khiri temple and the mountain represent heaven-from where the Lord Buddha descended after he went up to observe Lent and preach a sermon to his mother. Legend has it that the god Vishnu built a siver, gold and crystal stairway for the Buddha to walk down. The day signifies the the opening of the eath, heaven, the human realm and the underworld, or hell.
the festival is observed and celebrated by the people of Uthai Thani and the neighboring provinces. Over 300 monks and novices-come carrying alms bowls-descend the 449 steps from the top of the mountain while poeple offer alms of steamed sticky rice balls wrapped in banana leaeves as well as uncooked rice and cried food.
the Ivory Decorated Altar Festival
Back in the Ayitthaya period (1350-1767 Ad), the people of Uthai Thani Province had to capture wild elephants to send to the capital as a tribute. Elephants signify the rich and abundant forests and wildlife of the region. They were also used to haul logs and when the elephants died the owners would keep their tusks and use them to decorate altars. The more ivory one had, the richer one was, and ivory formed part of the inheritance fro one's children.
The festival began with a procession from various Chinese shrines while the townspeople decorated their altars wit ivory and put them in front of their houses to welcome the gods and goddesses. These altars have no Buddha images, only ivory and flowers are used for aesthetic purposes, as well as to show the status of the owners.
Recently, as part of a new promotion, the province has asked the local people to re-enact the Dhevo Alms Giving ceremony by having a contest of decorating altars with ivory. This event is held only in Uthai Thani.
The food and Sweet Tray Festival
The food tray comes ina round or square shape, made of wood or metal, and contains about six bouwls of food of various kinds.
During certain Buddhist festivals people put food in bowls to be carried to the temple ina pair of trays suspended from a bambboo pole hoisted on one shoulder. This tradition is stil practiced today. In The viallges of Nongkae in Muenag District, Thapho , and Huay Rob in Nong Kha Yang District, people prefer bowls with lids on them. Sometimes, the bowls are made of glass or a king of elaborate ceramic painted in five colors, known as benjarong.
More and more people have begun to select the best and most beautiful containers for their alms food and they have would up staging a contest, which is very impressive for tourists . In this way, the tradition has been carried on.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
World Geographic Benchmarks
One of the three World Geogradhi Benchmarks in Asia is located at the peak of Sakae Krang Mountain, about 500 meters from the temple.
Temples in Uthai Thani
Sangkat Rattan Khiri
built in 1900 at the foot of the Sake Krang hills, this temple housed a Buddhaimage in the " Subuing Mra" posture of the Kukothai era style, givent to various reginal town by king Rama I.
The image was originally kept at khwit Temple before it was burned in the great fire of 1935. After that the image was called " Phraphuthamongkno Saksit" and is highly revered by the people in this province.
A stairway of 449 steps runs from the foot of the hill to the top of the mountain where a mondop ( a cube-shaped structure normally contained Buddhist scriptures) was built to house the Buddha's footprint. A big bell has been placed at the front for people to ring and make a wish- and to indicate that they have visited the province.
Next to the nondop is a life-size statue of King Raman I sitting on a throne. Every year on April 6, there is a ceremony to commenmorate the first king ot the Rattnakosin dynasty. The vent usually coincides with the vblooming period of the golden silk cotton flowers, suphhnnika (coochlospermum bixaceae), which is the provinces regional flower, covering the hilltop of Sakae Krnag Mountain.
Wat Uposatharam
Wat Uposathram temple, or Wat bost Manorom, was built in the early Rattnakosin era (18th century). The ubosothe (ordination hall) vihara (assebly hallof worship) were built next to eacher. The art within the ordination hall was created by the hads of master craftsmen. Inside is a mural illustrartion the Lord Buddha's sories along with some buddha images from Sukhothai.
The nearby monastery also houses a beautful mural telling teh story of when the Loard Buddha preached to the angels, and depicts the scen of when Load buddha released his spirit and died. The Buddha immages yous ee in this buldin are in the Rattnakosin style. Behind the tow bulidngs stand three diffent styles of chedi (Pagoda) called the " Chedi fo Three Ages" (Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Ratankosin). All the bulidng here were bulit on the smae base.
Another outstanding work of architecture at the temple is the occagoalnl riverside tower. It was built in 1899 by Luang Phitak Pasa. He built it as an offering to Phra Sunthon Muni, Chief Adminstrator of the Provincial Sangha Provincial Governor of Uthai Tahni. It was originall used as a cremotorium for moks' funerals and to store their remains. Interestingly, it was bult in a Europen style with two storeys.
The Raft Temple near the river bank stans a " raft temple" built for the occasion when KIng Raman V visited the provincial cities of the northern region in 1906. The orginal structure was a twin-raft with ordination halls decorated with roof finials and galbe-edge ornaments like general ordiantion halls. It was later reconstructed into a two-storey building with a hip-roof. The rafters now use it when performing religious rites.
This temple also stores the presents given to Luang Pho chan by King Rama V: an alm bowl with a Mother of Peral-decorated lid, an ancient polished brass alms bowl, a glazed alms bowl, a monk's shoulder bag, a water container and some vases- all well-presearved in the sala of the temple.
Wat Chantharam
This temple was originally named " Wat Than Sung" ude to the logging along Sake Krang River. The log rafters would stop by rthe temple regularly before heading on to the Chao Phraya River. The name was later changed to Wat Chantharam, after the abbot, Luang Po chan. The temple was left abandoned for a long time and then Luang Pho Yai cane to stay in the areas to practice asceticism. The people in the area asked him to be the abbot and they heoped renovate the temple.
Nowadays, the temple has been much extended from the original, built during the Ayutthanya period (1350-1767 AD). The only remains of the old temple are the ruined sala and an old assembly hall. The assembly hall holds a folk art mural of the Lord buddhas's stories and an ancient preaching seat for abbots.
The present temple was expanded by Phra Maho Wera Thawaro, or Luang Pho Ruesi Link dam, a famous monk. one well-known structure in the new temple is the ordination hall that is delicately decorated with what resembles a crystal wall.
There is also a grand assembly hall , a length of 100 meters, called the " Crytal vihara" It is a rectangular building with glass tiles decorating all the interior walls. The front veranda is 28 by 100 mether size, built for performing alms offerings. The monastery holds a buddha image and a cry tal coffin of the presearved body of the monk who built the temple, placed on a golden base.
There's also the Golden pavilion, built to honor HM the King. It is considered one of Thailand's most beautiful temples. Extending from the temple is a pier on the bank of Sake Krang River with a riverside recreational sala for laypeople to come and feed the fish.
Wat Ammarita Waree
the original name of this temple was Wat Nong Nam Khan, because it was situated near a large pond and whoever bathed in the pond would fell itchy until they dried the water off themselves completely. The local folk didn't feel that the name was auspicious, so they changed it ot " Wat Ammarita Waree "(Temple of Immortal Waters).
The temple consists of an ubosoth (ordination hall), an assembly hall for worship , five Morn-style pagodas and a monk's quarters. The original building was founded at eh end of Ayutthanya period. It was only a small brick building with one entrance, but it contained a mural depicting the legend fo one of the Buddha's past lives.
Besides, those buildings. There is alarge pogoda in the middle bulit in the style of the ancient Morn people, and four smaller pagodas in each corner. All five are decorated iwht original stucco motifs making it another invaluable part of Uthai Thani's historiacal heritage.
Wat Phicahi Puranaram
Phichai Puranaram temple was originally known as " Wat Krang" It is an " Uthong " style temple, built during the Ayuttaya era around 2301 B.E., or around 200 years ago. It has been renovated many times and is still in remarkably good condition.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the temple's architecture is its an assembly hall which was built in a rectangle on any windows along the walls. There are only air-vents and holes punched in the walls for the sun to enter the room . This is one of the rides of Uthai Thani.
Inside Wat Phichai Puranaram stands a Buddha image set in a standing positon which awas built at the end of the Uthong period (14th-15th century).
Wat Nong Pluang
Another ancient temple built during the final years of the Ayutthanya era (1350-1767 AD), Wat nong Plunag contains a small one-storey ordiantion hall iwtha gabled roof. The only indication that this temple is from the Ayutthaya ear (late 18th century) and is believed to have been built by local people because it lacks skilled art decorations and has only one entrance.
the temple is located at Ban Nong Plunga, Moo 2, Tambon Nong Kha Yan, Nong Kha Yang District.
Khaowaong Monastery
situated some 12 kilometers from Ban Rai District, this monastery was established in 1987. It has a four-storey Thai-style descending sala, which blends in beautifully with the limestone mountain in the distance. In front of the building there is a fish pond with a flower garden surrounding it.
Behind Khowaong Monastery are seven or eight caves which are kept as a meditation area for monks. Some of the caves are full of bats; others are filled with stunning stalagmites and stalactites.
built in 1900 at the foot of the Sake Krang hills, this temple housed a Buddhaimage in the " Subuing Mra" posture of the Kukothai era style, givent to various reginal town by king Rama I.
The image was originally kept at khwit Temple before it was burned in the great fire of 1935. After that the image was called " Phraphuthamongkno Saksit" and is highly revered by the people in this province.
A stairway of 449 steps runs from the foot of the hill to the top of the mountain where a mondop ( a cube-shaped structure normally contained Buddhist scriptures) was built to house the Buddha's footprint. A big bell has been placed at the front for people to ring and make a wish- and to indicate that they have visited the province.
Next to the nondop is a life-size statue of King Raman I sitting on a throne. Every year on April 6, there is a ceremony to commenmorate the first king ot the Rattnakosin dynasty. The vent usually coincides with the vblooming period of the golden silk cotton flowers, suphhnnika (coochlospermum bixaceae), which is the provinces regional flower, covering the hilltop of Sakae Krnag Mountain.
Wat Uposatharam
Wat Uposathram temple, or Wat bost Manorom, was built in the early Rattnakosin era (18th century). The ubosothe (ordination hall) vihara (assebly hallof worship) were built next to eacher. The art within the ordination hall was created by the hads of master craftsmen. Inside is a mural illustrartion the Lord Buddha's sories along with some buddha images from Sukhothai.
The nearby monastery also houses a beautful mural telling teh story of when the Loard Buddha preached to the angels, and depicts the scen of when Load buddha released his spirit and died. The Buddha immages yous ee in this buldin are in the Rattnakosin style. Behind the tow bulidngs stand three diffent styles of chedi (Pagoda) called the " Chedi fo Three Ages" (Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Ratankosin). All the bulidng here were bulit on the smae base.
Another outstanding work of architecture at the temple is the occagoalnl riverside tower. It was built in 1899 by Luang Phitak Pasa. He built it as an offering to Phra Sunthon Muni, Chief Adminstrator of the Provincial Sangha Provincial Governor of Uthai Tahni. It was originall used as a cremotorium for moks' funerals and to store their remains. Interestingly, it was bult in a Europen style with two storeys.
The Raft Temple near the river bank stans a " raft temple" built for the occasion when KIng Raman V visited the provincial cities of the northern region in 1906. The orginal structure was a twin-raft with ordination halls decorated with roof finials and galbe-edge ornaments like general ordiantion halls. It was later reconstructed into a two-storey building with a hip-roof. The rafters now use it when performing religious rites.
This temple also stores the presents given to Luang Pho chan by King Rama V: an alm bowl with a Mother of Peral-decorated lid, an ancient polished brass alms bowl, a glazed alms bowl, a monk's shoulder bag, a water container and some vases- all well-presearved in the sala of the temple.
Wat Chantharam
This temple was originally named " Wat Than Sung" ude to the logging along Sake Krang River. The log rafters would stop by rthe temple regularly before heading on to the Chao Phraya River. The name was later changed to Wat Chantharam, after the abbot, Luang Po chan. The temple was left abandoned for a long time and then Luang Pho Yai cane to stay in the areas to practice asceticism. The people in the area asked him to be the abbot and they heoped renovate the temple.
Nowadays, the temple has been much extended from the original, built during the Ayutthanya period (1350-1767 AD). The only remains of the old temple are the ruined sala and an old assembly hall. The assembly hall holds a folk art mural of the Lord buddhas's stories and an ancient preaching seat for abbots.
The present temple was expanded by Phra Maho Wera Thawaro, or Luang Pho Ruesi Link dam, a famous monk. one well-known structure in the new temple is the ordination hall that is delicately decorated with what resembles a crystal wall.
There is also a grand assembly hall , a length of 100 meters, called the " Crytal vihara" It is a rectangular building with glass tiles decorating all the interior walls. The front veranda is 28 by 100 mether size, built for performing alms offerings. The monastery holds a buddha image and a cry tal coffin of the presearved body of the monk who built the temple, placed on a golden base.
There's also the Golden pavilion, built to honor HM the King. It is considered one of Thailand's most beautiful temples. Extending from the temple is a pier on the bank of Sake Krang River with a riverside recreational sala for laypeople to come and feed the fish.
Wat Ammarita Waree
the original name of this temple was Wat Nong Nam Khan, because it was situated near a large pond and whoever bathed in the pond would fell itchy until they dried the water off themselves completely. The local folk didn't feel that the name was auspicious, so they changed it ot " Wat Ammarita Waree "(Temple of Immortal Waters).
The temple consists of an ubosoth (ordination hall), an assembly hall for worship , five Morn-style pagodas and a monk's quarters. The original building was founded at eh end of Ayutthanya period. It was only a small brick building with one entrance, but it contained a mural depicting the legend fo one of the Buddha's past lives.
Besides, those buildings. There is alarge pogoda in the middle bulit in the style of the ancient Morn people, and four smaller pagodas in each corner. All five are decorated iwht original stucco motifs making it another invaluable part of Uthai Thani's historiacal heritage.
Wat Phicahi Puranaram
Phichai Puranaram temple was originally known as " Wat Krang" It is an " Uthong " style temple, built during the Ayuttaya era around 2301 B.E., or around 200 years ago. It has been renovated many times and is still in remarkably good condition.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the temple's architecture is its an assembly hall which was built in a rectangle on any windows along the walls. There are only air-vents and holes punched in the walls for the sun to enter the room . This is one of the rides of Uthai Thani.
Inside Wat Phichai Puranaram stands a Buddha image set in a standing positon which awas built at the end of the Uthong period (14th-15th century).
Wat Nong Pluang
Another ancient temple built during the final years of the Ayutthanya era (1350-1767 AD), Wat nong Plunag contains a small one-storey ordiantion hall iwtha gabled roof. The only indication that this temple is from the Ayutthaya ear (late 18th century) and is believed to have been built by local people because it lacks skilled art decorations and has only one entrance.
the temple is located at Ban Nong Plunga, Moo 2, Tambon Nong Kha Yan, Nong Kha Yang District.
Khaowaong Monastery
situated some 12 kilometers from Ban Rai District, this monastery was established in 1987. It has a four-storey Thai-style descending sala, which blends in beautifully with the limestone mountain in the distance. In front of the building there is a fish pond with a flower garden surrounding it.
Behind Khowaong Monastery are seven or eight caves which are kept as a meditation area for monks. Some of the caves are full of bats; others are filled with stunning stalagmites and stalactites.
Procession of Chinese God and Goddesses
Some gods or saints were celebrated every five or twelve years. The procession comprises groups of beautiful girls dressed in various styles enaction " The Lion, Dragon Dance, " Locals will set up small tables or altars in front of their houses along the procession route.
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